Shadow Schools Minister Mark Hoban backed the principle of a behaviour charter - and called for greater autonomy for heads and teachers over how they can exclude badly-behaved pupils.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | Teachers call for behaviour pact

And the position of shadow Europe minister, retained by eurosceptic MP Mark Francois, has been elevated to a shadow cabinet post.

BBC: Pickles chairman in Tory shake-up

As the government sought to clarify the situation, Housing Minister Mark Prisk denied suggestions by Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls that the Help to Buy scheme was potentially a second-home "subsidy".

BBC: Budget 2013: Row over 'second home subsidy'

But neither shadow justice minister Chris Bryant, a supporter of AV, nor Cabinet Office minister Mark Harper backed Mr Chope's proposal.

BBC: MP calls for limit on voter choice if AV is adopted